Those who applied before Sept 15, 2020 ( without complete application like biometric) their application will be processed based on two stage. Stage 1st is eligibility stage where they will check if you have been admitted to DLI institute, your course match, financially capable to afford studying in Canada and your intent to return to your home country only if you passed that you will receive 1st stage approval or approval in principle. For final decision you have to submit your biometric and medical which can be submitted later. Only after you received 1st stage approval your course taken online from your home country will be counted on pgwp.
So if you have submitted before Sept 15 but have not received 1st stage approval still some university or clg may allow you to take online class but it's up to you if you wanna take risk since it won't be counted on pgwp without 1st stage approval. For refund each clg might have different rule